Minister Duncan Comments on the Passage of Bill C-27 by the House of Commons

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 27, 2012) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today after the passage of Bill C-27, First Nations Financial Transparency Act, by the House of Commons.

"Once it receives Royal Assent, the First Nations Financial Transparency Act will ensure that First Nation leaders are held to the same standard of accountability and transparency as other levels of government in Canada. It will provide First Nation community members with the information they need to make informed decisions about their communities, and it will contribute to greater investor confidence. In turn, this will lead to economic development opportunities, jobs and the kind of growth that creates healthier, more self-sufficient communities. This is an objective we all share.

This landmark bill asks no more of First Nation leaders than Canadians ask of their Parliamentarians. I am pleased that the bill has been passed by the House of Commons and that First Nations community members are another step closer to enjoying the benefits of transparency and accountability."

The First Nations Financial Transparency Act will now be considered by the Senate.